#3: [26-Aug-09]

#1: [02-Jun-01]

24-Jun-2003 -- While vacationing at Jedediah Smith State Park, we decided to take a day trip to 42-124. Proceeding east from Smith River along Rowdy Creek Road and eventually intersecting Low Divide road (although the transition is not really apparent). The road is one of the better dirt roads I've travelled on - no ruts or washboards to speak of. Tremendous views along the way and we saw only one other vehicle on the road during this trip. Allow about 40 minutes one-way from Smith River.

We stopped abeam the pit on the north side of the road. Initially, it looked as if it would be possible for my wife, kids, and dog to make the trek with me. We were only .37 miles from this confluence. Less than half way there, the easy downhill hike turned into nearly impassible brush. I continued alone bushwacking my way while the rest of my family returned to our van. My wife was able to keep track of my progress by polling my Garmin RINO.

I was descending down the west side of a north-south ravine and as I got closer I needed to crest the ridge to my west and proceed down the center of the next valley. Center is a relative term - but the top part of the ridge had a small clearing. With about .1 miles to go, I took a compass bearing to a prominent spot across the way and descended further into the brush. Luckily, these bushes had soft leaves - you could easily push throught them without getting severely scratched. I would still recommend pants and a long sleeve shirt. Once through the dense thicket, I was in a small sunlit area less than 10 meters from my destination. Success! Proceeding any closer would have been pointless - loss of the sun and most likely GPS reception. Inside 10m without a day or more of averaging was close enough. I took my pictures. My intent was to have 4 Garmin RINO's at this point but the other 3 were already back at our Eurvoan.

Photo 1 shows a southward look through the thicket and up the hill from the confluence. Photo 2 shows the approximate location of the confluence from the road. The arrow vector approximates the direction and estimate of descent required to get to the confluence beyond the treeline. Photo 3 looks northward from the parking spot and shows the valley I descended to get to the point. Photo 4 shows the view south from the road just prior to the descent. Photo 5 shows my GPS reading near the confluence.

Allow 30 minutes for the descent and a good hour for the climb back out - it is very steep and there will be lots of brush to navigate through when you can't go around. This would be the first of several confluences this trip.